When it comes to shotgun shells, we’re back to the good old days. Unfortunately, the good old days weren’t so good.

If you’ve ever heard your father or grandfather talk about how they parceled out shells like they were gold, there’s a reason. In proportion to the pricing of the day, shells were expensive. They’ve gotten that way again.

It’s true that in 1970 or so, you could go to Gibson’s or Gaylord’s, the discount stores of the day, and get Winchester Dove and Quail Loads for $1.99 a box just before dove season. Anybody who ever shot those shells will never forget them.

I could only dream about having enough shotgun shells as a kid to go target shooting with. This was in the late 60's. I remember the sale price on Federal HiPower 20 gauge ammo was around $4.50 per box. Relative to the time I think ammo was more expensive back then. Even .22 ammo seemed expensive or at least I never had nearly as much of the stuff as I wanted.

For me at least the good old days in terms of being able to afford recreational shooting are going on right now.